The Project

WHY 765 kV MATTERS

ANALYSIS: A 765-kV line is extra-high-voltage bulk transmission infrastructure. Its physical footprint, structure design, right-of-way needs, visual scale, and corona/audible-noise behavior differ substantially from ordinary distribution lines and lower-voltage local transmission lines, such as the 138-kV lines many of these study segments cross. We ask that any graphics or dimensions used to describe BECI structures be clearly labeled as either MGS-confirmed project dimensions or representative examples of 765-kV design generally - not presented as confirmed BECI specifications unless MGS has released them.

STUDY SEGMENT vs. APPROVED ROUTE: A "study segment" is a line MGS has drawn on a map for evaluation and public comment. It is not a proposed route filed with a regulator, and it is not an approved right-of-way. Under Wisconsin law, MGS would need to file an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), which reviews route alternatives, environmental and agricultural impacts, and compliance with Wisconsin's siting priorities before any route can be approved and construction can begin. See "The Alternatives" page for Wisconsin's corridor-siting law and "Take Action" for how to comment during this study phase.

WHAT IS BECI?

MGS CLAIM: Midcontinent Grid Solutions (MGS) describes the Bell Center-Columbia-Sugar Creek-Illinois/Wisconsin State Line (BECI) Project as an approximately 190-mile, 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting facilities in Crawford County to facilities in Walworth County before continuing to the Illinois state line. MGS says the project is intended to strengthen Wisconsin's electric grid, improve reliability, and enable additional transfer capacity as part of MISO's Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 2.1 portfolio.

FACT: MGS was selected by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to develop, own, and maintain BECI. MGS is a joint venture combining Transource Energy (a partnership of American Electric Power and Evergy, reported as 86.5% AEP / 13.5% Evergy) and BHE U.S. Transmission, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. (Sources: transourceenergy.com/about; MGS project website.)

FACT: AEP's annual filing states that MISO-selected MGS projects are estimated at approximately $1.2 billion, with Transource Energy's share estimated at approximately $600 million. We ask MGS and regulators to confirm current cost estimates as the project develops.

MGS CLAIM: MGS states that no final route has been selected. The project is currently in an early routing stage, with study segments shown on maps for public review and comment, not an approved alignment.

STATUS: As of August 2026, MGS is hosting open houses across Richland, Crawford, Sauk, Columbia, Jefferson, Dane/Dodge, Walworth, and Rock counties (week of August 24, 2026) and is requesting public feedback on study segments by September 7, 2026. Check MGS's project website for current dates before making plans.